Newest Beetle a lot like the old, only better

The new Beetle is more masculine, with a wider stance and lower roofline.

St. JAMES Volkswagen sales rep Bryan Romaniuk describes the 2013 Beetle, which arrived in dealership showrooms at the end of January, as a throwback to an older style.

"It has a more masculine styling," Romaniuk says. "It has a wider stance and lower, more chopped-up roofline, and it has more interior space than most of its two-door competitors.

"We expect that the 2013 model will attract a wider range of customers," he says.

Volkswagen completely redesigned the 2013 model, he says, adding it's built on a new platform.

The new model is available in one of two engine options. The base version has a 2.5-litre, in-line five-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower at 5,700 revolutions per minute and 177 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 r.p.m. The TSI Sport model is powered by a 2.0L, in-line four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with intercooler and direct injection. Itputs out 200 hp at 5,100 r.p.m. and 207 lb.-ft. at 1,700 r.p.m.

Also available is a diesel version with a 2.0L TDI, in-line four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with direct injection putting out 140 hp at 4,000 r.p.m. and 236 lb.-ft. at 1,750 to 2,500 r.p.m.

Romaniuk says the price of the new model ranges from the mid-$20,000s to the low $30,000s, depending on the choice of options.

"Right now, we have a very limited number in," he says. "We will be receiving greater numbers in the spring."

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The Murray Auto Group has appointed Jason Sisson director of used-vehicle operations for the three dealerships -- Murray Chev, Murray Chrysler and Marshall Motors -- at the Murray Auto Centre in south Brandon.

Sisson has been a part of the Murray Brandon team for almost 20 years.

He started in sales at Murray Chev in 1994. In 2001, he was promoted to one of the financial service manager positions. In 2010, he was named a sales manager at the store. Last spring, he became sales manager at the newly opened Marshall Motors, the Murray Auto Centre's new used-car branch.

"At Marshall Motors, we carry pre-owned models we receive from the other Murray dealerships in Winnipeg, Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan," Sisson says.

"The models might be stock the auto group is trying to move, or one dealer might be overstocked in one particular model.

"We can price our vehicles at Marshall Motors at or below market value."

By combining the pre-owned inventory at the three Brandon stores under one system, the Murray Auto Group in Brandon increases its buying power and realizes operational efficiencies, Sisson says.

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